SAM #75N98026Q01138

NIH seeks automated microsecond freeze hyper-quenching system for Q-band EPR research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations (OLAO), is seeking to procure a specialized scientific instrument for advanced research: - Automated high-velocity microsecond freeze hyper-quenching system for Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) applications - Intended for capturing short-lived chemical intermediates and transient reaction states - Sole-source procurement to Bridge12 Technologies, Inc. due to unique technical capabilities - System must achieve a dead time of ≤500 microseconds - No other commercial sources identified that meet this requirement - Market research identified Bio-Logic as another OEM, but their freeze-quench system only achieves a minimum dead time of 9 milliseconds, which does not meet NIH's needs - NIH invites capability statements from other vendors who believe they can meet the minimum technical requirements - Notable requirement: Compatibility with Q-band EPR and ability to achieve rapid dead time is essential for the research application

Description

Notice of Intent: Bridge12 Technologies automated high-velocity microsecond freeze hyper-quenching system.

                                                                              (75N98026Q01138)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Bridge12 Technologies under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), [Institute/Center], intends to solicit and negotiate on a sole-source basis with Bridge12 Technologies, Inc. for the acquisition of an automated high-velocity microsecond freeze hyper-quenching system for use with Q-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) research applications.

The Government requires a rapid mix/freeze-quench system capable of achieving a dead time of less than or equal to 500 microseconds (≤ 0.5 milliseconds) and compatible with Q-band EPR applications. This rapid dead-time capability is a critical minimum technical requirement because the system will be used to capture and preserve short-lived chemical intermediates and transient reaction states that would not be adequately resolved using conventional millisecond-scale freeze-quench technology.

Market Research

Market research was conducted through review of commercial vendor catalogs, published product specifications, technical literature, and consultation with subject matter experts within the EPR instrumentation community.

The market research identified Bio-Logic as another commercial manufacturer offering freeze-quench instrumentation. However, published Bio-Logic specifications indicate a minimum dead time of approximately 9 milliseconds. This performance is substantially slower than the Government's required maximum dead time of 500 microseconds (0.5 milliseconds) and therefore does not satisfy the Government's minimum technical requirement.

No additional commercial sources were identified through the Government's market research that offer a microsecond rapid mix/freeze-quench system compatible with Q-band EPR applications and capable of achieving the required ≤500-microsecond dead time.

This notice is not a request for competitive quotations. However, any responsible source, including small business concerns (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Business, and Small Disadvantaged Business), that believes it can satisfy the Government's requirement may submit a capability statement demonstrating its ability to provide a product that meets the Government's minimum technical requirements. Capability statements must include sufficient documentation to establish the ability to furnish an equivalent system.

A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed acquisition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

Responses must be submitted via email to vensonm@mail.nih.gov no later than 9:00 a.m. EDT on September 09, 2026. It is anticipated that an award will be issued approximately five (5) days after the closing date of this notice, provided no acceptable capability statements are received.

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